Types of staircases

The term “modular staircase” describes stairs that are custom-made for your project and designed entirely in the factory with advanced technology that enables the assembly of each part to be planned ahead of time, thus reducing installation time and onsite work. No assembly hardware is visible, and your stairs will be above standard in terms of strength and safety.

Different types of modular Davibois stairs

Davibois can build all types of staircases. To help inform your choice and guide you to the type of stairway that will best meet your needs and fit your space, below are the different types of stairs available.

Straight staircases

The straight staircase generally has one straight flight of stairs, or sometimes two separated by a landing part way up. The straight staircase enables the user to continue going in the same direction between two consecutive floors.

This type of stairway is economical and easy to design with all types of possible stringers. However, it uses more floor space.

Intermediate landings can be incorporated into a straight staircase, making it safer with a resting place partway up.

With the exception of a landing between two flights of stairs, all the treads are rectangular and of the same dimensions.

Half-turn staircases

The half-turn staircase—or 2/4—is a variant of the quarter-turn staircase. It consists of two straight flights with two 90° turns. With this type of staircase, from the base to the top, the steps and the person on them turn 180°.

This type of staircase creates a space advantage at the base where the angle is incorporated, optimizing space that otherwise would be lost. The quarter turns may feature angled treads or intermediate landings, and the centre of the staircase may be left open, enabling several different configurations depending on your space. The turns may also be curved, making the step much more comfortable and safe by reducing the tapering of the angled treads.

Quarter-turn staircases

A quarter-turn staircase consists of two straight rows of stairs and a one quarter turn of 90°. With this type of staircase, from the base to the top, the steps and the person on them turn 90°.

As with the half-turn staircase, this one gains space, where the angle is incorporated, optimizing space that would otherwise be lost. The stairway turn may also feature an intermediate landing or angled steps. The turn may be located at the base, at the top, or in the middle of the staircase, enabling several different configurations depending on your space. The staircase turn may also be curved, making ascending and descending much more comfortable (see the Options/Finishings section for more information).

Spiral staircases

The spiral staircase, also known as a screw, helical, corkscrew, or cockle staircase, is a model with an open stairwell (hollow newel) in which the treads go around a central pillar or shaft, following a circular or polygonal plan. Often found in industrial contexts, their diameter rarely exceeds 150 to 160 centimetres. The relatively reduced tread width (60 to 70 centimetres) often limits this type of staircase to secondary purposes or small interior spaces. Its space-saving advantage also comes with some major inconveniences: its reduced width is a real handicap for moving furniture, and the risk of falling is higher due to the pronounced tapering of the treads.

Helical staircases

Unlike spiral stairs, the treads on a helical staircase are not installed around a central pillar. Instead, they flow from their base in a shape that is usually circular, elliptical, or polygonal. The absence of a central structure gives this type of staircase a rare elegance in terms of line, giving the impression that the stairs are literally suspended. The specific technique involved in designing and building a helical staircase requires significant expertise. Each one must be custom made, which is much more onerous than the creation of its spiral cousin. But like spiral stairs, helical staircases fit in the space-saving category, which comes with a reduced passageway. Consequently, moving large furniture via such a staircase is usually problematic.